How can I help my community manage rain?
Climate change is leading to drier summers and wetter winters.
In some parts of the UK, demand for water may outstrip supply in just 20 years. Government bodies have warned that the UK needs to prepare for more regular water shortages.
But heavy rainfall also means that flooding is more likely in the wet part of the year. When rain falls onto a hard surface like roof tiles or concrete, it flows into the nearest drain. In very wet weather, the volume of rain falling means that these drains can get overwhelmed. This can lead to local flooding and to sewage overflowing into our rivers.
Inspired by nature, people are finding new ways to address these challenges.
Nature holds rain in the plants and soil, keeping moisture for dry weather. We too can prepare for dry weather, by collecting and containing the rain.
In nature the rainwater seeps through the ground emerging slowly into rivers. We can slow the flow by releasing our collected water gradually when we need it, and directing it away from the drains and onto the land.
The average British terraced roof receives between 10,000 and 70,000 litres of rainfall each year. Capturing some of this water can significantly decrease the impact of a rainstorm, preventing flooding. It also provides a source of water for plants or washing the car in dry spells.
There are several ways to capture this water. In our homes many of us are:
Installing raintanks (also called “water butts”) to downpipes on sheds and houses to capture this water, slowing the flow into drains and reducing the risk of flooding.
Installing a rain garden planter
Creating a rain garden by planting lots of large-leaved plants, leaving green areas to soak up rainwater, and putting in ponds, which also creates a natural habitat for wildlife
For more detail on the modelling for rainwater harvesting as a flood alleviation strategy, see our article ‘How your water butt can help prevent flooding’.